The trip back to Dallas was very uneventful, for a change. Planes were on time, luggage was right at the weight limit, and the pecan pie was all eaten.

I am sharing with you some pictures that I took. They are of Zvi, our head guide, at the Israel Museum; Will and I at Tell Dan; Joni, our second guide, at Bet Shen; and Jeff, as we are filming. I thought you would like to see us in Israel.

The June tour is just around the corner!

As I was fixing dinner last night, Will got a call from Josh, who is in Israel with Gateway Church (Texas).  Josh and Will had worked for Berg Productions in Germany last Spring.  Plus, we were all at the Joel Rosenberg conference yesterday.  What a small world.  Good to see him and fellowship.  We shared the pecan pie. 

I have a few errands to do before Shabbat begins—mainly at the grocery store. 

Will and I had lunch at Foccacia.  Always good.  I will probably  get one last Almond croissant at Aroma Cafe.

Just taking it easy and getting ready to pack.

Thank you again for your prayers and for reading the blog.

The following statistics were released today in the Jerusalem Post.  The survey was done at the request of Joel and is very interesting.

As Epicenter Conference opens, The Jerusalem Post provides a sneak peak at an exclusive new Joshua Fund poll of American Christian views of the Jewish State.

By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Jerusalem, Israel, April 10, 2008) — At the Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem today, The Joshua Fund released partial results of an exclusive poll of “American Christian Attitudes Towards Israel and the Middle East.” Full results will be posted soon on my weblog. What follows is a front-page story in The Jerusalem Post. 

 

U.S. Christians ‘morally’ support Israel 
By Etgar Lefkovitz 
The Jerusalem Post 
April 10, 2008 

More than 80 percent of American Christians say they have a “moral and biblical obligation” to support the State of Israel, and half say Jerusalem should remain its undivided capital, according to a survey released on Thursday. 

While evangelical Christians are the strongest supporters of the Jewish state, strong pro-Israel convictions cut across all key Christian denominations in the US, according to the poll carried out on behalf of the Washington-based Joshua Fund, an evangelical organization. 

Eight-two percent of respondents said they had a “moral and biblical obligation” to love and support Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” 10% disagreed and 8% did not know. 

Eighty-four percent of Protestants agreed with the statement (including 89% of Evangelicals), compared to 76% of Catholics. 

Half of the American Christians surveyed opposed Israel dividing Jerusalem with the Palestinians in a peace agreement, 33% were unsure and 17% thought it should be divided. 

Fifty-three percent of Protestants supported a united Jerusalem, as did 44% of Catholics. 

Evangelical Christians were most supportive of a united Jerusalem, with 62% in favor and 11% against. 

A plurality of the US Christians (44%) surveyed said they did not know whether a future Palestinian state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip would be a peaceful moderate democracy or a terrorist state, 32% said that it would be a terrorist state and 24% said that it would be a peaceful democracy. 

The survey found clear differences between Protestants and Catholics on the issue. 

Protestants were more likely to say a Palestinian state would be a terror state by a 10-point margin; Catholics were evenly split. Evangelical Protestants said a such entity would be a terrorist state by a 20-point margin, but non-evangelical Protestants said it would be a peaceful and moderate democracy by six percentage points. 

The belief that a Palestinian state would be a terrorist state was strongest among Republican and conservative Evangelicals. 

Nearly half (49%) of American Christians surveyed were interested in visiting Israel, including about quarter of both Catholics and Protestants who were “strongly” interested. 

Forty-seven percent of those polled were not interested in visiting. 

There are 50 million-60 million evangelicals Christians in the US. 

Two-thirds of respondents said that if Iran developed nuclear weapons, it would eventually try to use them to attack Israel, 23% were unsure and 13% said Iran would not attack. 

Finally, 45% said they would be more likely to support a US presidential candidate who would protect America from Islamic terrorism, protect Israel from a nuclear attack from Iran, oppose the division of Jerusalem and refuse to pressure Israel to make concessions on issues of national security, compared to 29% who said such positions had no effect on their vote and 9% who would be less likely to support such a candidate. 

The survey will be officially released on Thursday at a conference at the Jerusalem International Convention Center (Binyenei Ha’uma) organized by The Joshua Fund that is expected to be attended by 2,000 evangelical Christians from around the world. 

The non-profit organization aims to raise more than $100 million over the next three years to help Israeli victims of terrorism, and to fund humanitarian projects in Israel in education, health, welfare and immigrant absorption, and $20m. for Christians in the West Bank, Gaza, Iraq and Sudan, said Joel C. Rosenberg, the group’s founder and president. 

“Our support for Israel is unwavering and unconditional,” he said. 

The survey, which was conducted by McLaughlin and Associates by a telephone sampling of 1,000 American Christians last month, had a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

Will and I met with our friends Taki and Gavi at Tamago, a kosher sushi restaurant.  It has some of the best and freshest sushi I have had in a long time (here in Israel or in the States).  Really good. The Israeli’s eat late.  We got there at 7:30 and by the time we left at 9:30, there was hardly a seat or table to be had.   What makes it kosher sushi?  Mainly fish, no cheese, lots of veggies and of course, certified by a Rabbi.

Please note a change in the email address for Cindy and her Jerusalem Journal.  She has had so many responses to her site that she is asking that you contact her at a new address (see links on the right).  Thanks.   Her writing is so encouraging.  She is a gifted writer and story teller. 

As I walked to get my paper this morning, I was reminded that I have only a few days left before I head back to Texas and I have not finished making my “rounds.”  I have things to do and people that I like to talk to while I am here, and I just haven’t gotten it all done.  

I stopped in the Frankforter Center this morning, did some browsing and ended up buying a little something from them. I noticed that the pastries and coffee have expanded in service.  Will probably get the Hafuk (latte) tomorrow. They support the senior community with handicrafts from the seniors and other artists.  This shop is the one with the cute crochet dolls that I bought last time I was in Israel.  I visited with the laundry guys and the paper man.  

To walk on Bet Lechem street and have a sense of community is very special to me.  That they all speak Hebrew to me is a bonus.  That they lose me after “good morning” (boker tov) and “how are you” (ma nish ma) is okay too.  I was so excited this week when a lady complimented me (in Hebrew) on the scarf I was wearing.  She said she loved it and I understood enough of her Hebrew to say “todah” (thank you).  It is the little things in life. 

I must confess that I did go to Aroma yesterday and get an Almond croissant.  Probably my last until June. 

Weather is cool and clear.  Mid 60’s with sun.  

News from the Jerusalem Post:

Oldest Arched gate in the world Restored
The oldest gate in the world, located in Ashkelon hs been restored, nearly four thousand years after is was first built.  The Canaanite gate, which was constructed around 1,850 BCE as part of the port city’s fortifications, is believed to be the most ancient arched gate in the world.

Florida to host world’s largest Seder
According to a press release put out by the Israel Kabbala Center, some 5,000 people from Israel, Europe, and North and South America are expected to usher in the Festival of Freedom in Florida.

Israel education Center to open in U.S.
The first national center to provide resources for teaching about Israel at the pre-college level is being launched.   Lynn Schusterman announced the center’s launch Monday night in Boston before 1,300 day school educators at the nation assembly of Partnership fr Excellence in Jewish Education.

My plan for tomorrow includes dropping off the letters of protest at the Prime Minister’s office about the Temple Mount digging.  Thanks to all who sent letters.  They will be delivered as promised.   All we want is that any digging be certified and approved by the IAA, so that any Jewish artifacts are preserved properly. 

I’m off to downtown.  I have a little shopping (blessing) to do before I leave Israel.

I took time yesterday to go to the Israel Museum.  I love Museums and try and go to one or two when and wherever I am traveling.  The Israel Museum is world-class.  Two of the exhibits I wanted to see were: Looking for Owners: Custody, Research, and Restitution of Art Stolen in France during World War II and Orphaned Art: Looted Art from the Holocaust in the Israel Museum.   Both were excellent.

Looking for Owners is on display for the first time in Israel.  Fifty three paintings by major European artists from the collection known as MNR from France, including works by Paul Cézanne, Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, Aelbert Cuyp, Edgar Degas, Eugene Delacroix, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and Claude Monet.  The exhibition focuses on the complex history behind the MNR holding — which were taken away from France during the second World War and are held today in custody by the French National Museums — and on the research conducted over the last decade to trace their hisory of possession and to identify right ownership.

Orphaned Art:  Showcasing paintings. drawings, prints, and books, together with a dozen examples of recovered Jewish ceremonial objects, this exhibition tells the story of art that was looted by the Nazis during World War II, discovered by the Allies in hiding places throughout Germany after the war, and brought to Israel during the early 1950’s by the Jewish Restitution Successor Organizations (JRSO).  The works — including paintings by Jan Both, Marc Chagall, Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, Egon Schiele, and Alfred Sisly — arrived with little if any documentation of prior ownership and have been held in custody by the Israel Museum since it inherited the holdings of the Bezalel National Museum in 1965.

I had to have a burger, so I headed to Burgers Bar.  Really the best in Jerusalem. Grilled in front of you and made with fresh bread and always fresh fixin’s.  They could give In-and-Out a run for their money.  I sat at an outside table and watched the crowds go by.  Lots of people and the weather was lovely.

I am still one of the few Americans at my B&B.  I hear French, Spanish and Hebrew.  The flavors of breakfast and the different cultures really wakes me up in the morning.

I am off to the grocery store. Israel is an amazing country.  I bought a wooden rolling pin for about $5 and then noticed at the grocery store that paper towels cost the same.

Will has been on a “Visa Vacation” and is due back today, so I am making him a pecan pie.  I brought the pie crust mix, pecans and Karo syrup with me from the States, so all I need to get are the eggs.

I was fixing the pie crust when the sirens went off this morning at 10am.  The alarm lasted about a minute and a half.  It made me think at bit and be glad that it was only a test. Anyway, the crust was easy to do (thank you Betty Crocker).  I hope it tastes good.

Finished filming yesterday in the Jewish Quarter. I interviewed Udi Merioz from the Blue and White Gallery and Cindy and Gary. The interviews are for the Ezekiel series and I really had a good time talking with them. Gary and Cindy have lived in Jerusalem about 6 years. They even met and married in Jerusalem. We lunched on their roof top patio, enjoying the views and the weather. We just always have a great time of fellowship. Udi’s family were one of the first Jews to return to the Old City in 1967. Quite a story.

News from the Jerusalem Post:

New IAF brass all Harvard graduates
When Maj. Gen Ido Nehustan takes up command of the Israel Air Force in May, Harvard University will be able to take a moment to be proud. Nehushtan and his two new deputies are all graduates of American’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning.

A ‘birthright’ for non-Jews?
Shmuley Boteach reports that one of the mistakes Israel makes is that of making Israel something of only Jewish concern. “The Jews are history’s most influential people, having given the modern world its three foundations: God (universal brotherhood), the Ten Commandments (law), and the Messiah (progress aimed at perfecting the world). Those ideas were all born in the very soil of Israel, the world epicenter of faith and spiritual transcendence.” Good article.

A full page tribute to Charlton Heston
As Moses and Ben-Hur, gentile Heston often played proud Jews.

I am off to do some touring of Jerusalem.

I have gotten several emails over the last few days asking me if the rumors of war are true. As Zvi, our head guide, would say, “I am on the wait list for prophet school.” I do not know or have any inside information. “Only the Father knows.” The word “posturing” comes to mind. I think Israel is letting “everyone” know that they are ready and if some country wants a war, then bring it on. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Yeshua spoke of the same in Matthew 24. It would do us good to re-read Matthew every week. The wars and rumors of wars are just the beginning, not at the end. However, emergency drills begin this week. I personally think it is a good idea, whether it is for war or a natural disaster, to be prepared. Do we really think that a gas mask is going to protect anyone from the next war? The sirens will sound Tuesday and we are to take cover at the nearest shelter or protected room.

Shabbat was quiet. I fixed chicken and mac and cheese for Will and myself. I also had my almond croissant from Aroma Cafe. Just so delicious—flaky, creamy, topped with almonds and powdered sugar. I may have to go and get another one.

I also got some rest. My only task was to walk on Emek and people watch. The sun was out and many people were out walking and enjoying the day. Shabbat is about spending time with God, being quiet and resting. Very few cars on the roads, few stores or cafes open—great incentive to rest. Everything slows down. Today is a different story. Everything is going full-tilt! The difference between Shabbat and the working day is staggering.

Going to the Cardo today for filming and some shopping. I am almost finished. Just a few last minute things for friends.

The weather is unseasonably warm—in the high 80’s. It can never get too hot for me.

Thursday is the Joel Rosenberg conference in Jerusalem. I am looking forward to it.

Berg Productions, Jeff and myself filmed at an Air Force Museum in Beer Sheba. I climbed in and out of a few of the planes. Yes, I have this picture of me flying and the Russians being very afraid. Brig. General Yakkov Turner started this museum so that everyone could see the different kinds of airplane the IAF used during the attacks from Israel’s enemies. The museum is next to the air base, so we were treated to the sounds of aircraft taking off and landing. Interesting fact: it take six minutes to fly in a jet from one end of Israel to the other. Think about that for a minute.

Will and I went to hear Taki (Will’s former roommate) at the Jerusalem Symphony. Taki is the first oboe in the symphony. Mahler’s One was especially well done. It was a long day, but well worth it. I am not sure what is going on with the Jerusalem Symphony. Very few people attended the concert. It was sad to see so many empty seats.

The weather is in the mid 60’s and a little breezy and sunny. Everyone is rushing around getting ready for Shabbat. I have a few last minute things to do also. Flowers and some grocery shopping.

Talked with Ohed this morning at the B&B. It seems he has bought another B&B. This one in Rehavia. So, all in all, Baka, German Colony, and Rehavia. We laughed about him having an empire. He has done well.

Breakfast was the usual fare of fresh veggies, scrambled eggs, pasta, coffee, toast, yogurts, cheeses and labanes. They must have a new chef, because my egg salad is just not the same. I am one of few Americans at the B&B. The language I hear most is French, German and then some British.

May you have a blessed Shabbat.

Started filming early and we will film all day.  Concert tonight.  I will tell all in the next blog.

The weather is just glorious! Mid to high 60’s.  A wonderful spring.  Everything is blooming.

I checked into my B&B last night and was greeted by “welcome home.”  Some things never change—except for the egg salad that was missing this morning at breakfast.  However, it has been replaced by a tuna salad and pasta with  a cream sauce. Other than that—scrambled eggs, coffee, toast, juices, fresh veggies, cheeses, and yogurt—were all the same.

As I walked this morning to get my newspaper, I was greeted by “hello”s and “where have you been”s.  It is the familiar that gives me such comfort.

Jerusalem is cooler today. Sunny—no rain—but in the low 60’s.  Actually, Israel needs the rain.  They are in the worst drought in ten years.  Please keep that in your prayers also.

I bought a digital camera before I left for Israel.  I am hoping to post some pictures on the blog so I can show some scenes of Israel and the places and people I see.  Pray for me.  I am not mechanical.  We’ll see what adventures I can get into with this new venture. I may even take a picture of my pecan pie that I am planning on baking.

Jeff and Berg Productions are still here filming the Ezekiel series.   We will do some interviews today in the Cardo.

I have some new places as well as my “rounds” that I want to make in the next ten days.  Stay tuned.  Who knows where God is leading me?  I am meeting Will for dinner tonight.  Focaccia?  Maybe.  I have wanted to eat at a restaurant called Adom, so maybe there tonight.

I thank you all for reading this blog.  I am amazed at how many read it.   I had one lady on the tour who repeated some of my “cooking” tales to me.  Wow.